Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — because the Whitecaps won every one of their games last week, I figured we’d kick things off with a little baseball history.

On August 11th (today), 1929, Babe Ruth blasted his 500th career home run. The first of its kind at Cleveland’s League Park.

Pretty epic way to start a week, don’t you think? Let’s see what Grand Rapids has in store.

~LeQwane L.

Together with: Integrity Massage Therapy

For today’s local business highlight, I wanted to highlight one of our readers, Eric.

Since 2014, Eric, a traveling massage therapist, has worked everywhere from spas and sports facilities to chiropractic offices and special events—always with the same goal: helping people heal and feel comfortable.

Licensed through the State of Michigan and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, he specializes in deep tissue, trigger point, sports, and Swedish massage, tailoring each session to the client’s needs.

When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him playing ultimate frisbee, enjoying Mexican food, spending time with family (including a new baby girl), or walking his rescue dog, Astro.

Need to release some tension? Check out Eric’s work at Integrity Massage Therapy. Let him know LeQwane sent ya.

Interested in having your business featured in front of 10,000+ Grand Rapids residents? Let me know about your business.

A briefing of local news that matters

Development

An old factory on Front Street is getting a fresh start as a new 35-unit loft-style apartment complex. This project adds on to a growing trend of turning industrial buildings into living spaces. While there’s no public date on the project’s completion, I’ll keep an eye out for updates. | Read more

Recap

Calder Plaza came alive this weekend for the 6th annual A Glimpse of Africa Festival, a two-day celebration of African culture through music, food, fashion, and art. Visitors explored traditions from across the continent, enjoyed performances, and browsed goods from local vendors. A highlight was the flag ceremony, where all 54 African nations were recognized alongside the U.S., reinforcing the festival’s mission to connect cultures and celebrate diversity in West Michigan. | Read more

Leisure

A 13,000-year-old mastodon skeleton found in Kent County in 2022 will soon go on display at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. The rare discovery includes more than 30 bones is about 80% of a complete skeleton. Found by a road crew and preserved over the past two years. Fragile pieces will be paired with 3D-printed replicas to create a full model for the exhibit, set to open this fall. | View the early images

Have news to report? Click here.

Tomorrow is National Middle Child Day.

And thanks to an idea of our most supportive readers, I thought I’d ask the question…

I can confirm that I am in the middle child club.

🍻 Duke’s Bar To Get New Name

Duke’s Bar on Michigan is under new ownership. The bar and the building its in was acquired by the owners of Social House, Scott Esterline and Robert Larson. The bar will reopen as Duke’s Social House in September.

🍦 Tacos and Ice Cream

Furniture City Creamery is hosting a pop-up at the Asada on Wealthy this Saturday. The pop-up will feature popular desserts from Furniture City and various dinner options from the recently redone Asada.

📰 Zine Fest Returns

The annual Zine Fest is returning to town this Saturday at Fountain St. Church. The fest is a celebration of local and regional self-publishers making art, niche magazines, stories, and more.

Closing

The Green Well - After 18 years of serving GR, the Uptown mainstay The Green Well is set to close for good at the end of the week.

Preview: Events —> Live Music

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids

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📧 Get your business in an upcoming issue of Calder News. Let’s talk about how we can put your business in front of thousands of GR locals.

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